INDIAN BROOK, N.S. – Nova Scotia’s minister of the environment has dismissed four of six appeals opposing the province’s decision to approve a new underground natural gas storage facility.
The province is declining to reveal which four groups have had their appeals of the Alton Natural Gas storage facility project denied, citing privacy laws.
The Indian Brook First Nation had issued a statement in February saying it would submit an appeal, arguing the facility north of Halifax shouldn’t be built.
Cheryl Maloney, a band councillor at Indian Brook, said in an interview that her band’s appeal was among the appeals that were rejected.
The province says in a news release that it has provided “ample” opportunity to First Nations to consult on the project.
Environment Minister Margaret Miller also says she’s satisfied with the scientific reports considered in the application for the industrial approval.
She says they have appropriately considered the potential effects on the Shubenacadie River.
The project was put on hold in late 2014 after Mi’kmaq protesters complained that the company had failed to consult with the local native community.